Our Experts

Caroline Collins | Solicitor

I was admitted as a solicitor in 2011 and have been at Hodge Jones & Allen since 2007 as a paralegal before becoming a trainee solicitor in 2009. I now specialise in criminal law.

Since joining the firm in 2007 I have developed a strong private caseload, although I remain committed to public funded legal aid work. I have experience in the preparation of a range of complex cases including murder, serious violent crime, sexual offences, domestic violence, drug offences, offensive weapons and fraud.

As an experienced lawyer I regularly attend police stations and magistrates courts to represent a range of clients for various offences across the spectrum from public order offences to those of murder. I regularly prepare complex Crown Court cases.

I specialise in cases involving benefit fraud and a full range of motoring offences. I have experience in dealing with various high profile clients in motoring offences and have successfully found errors in the prosecution’s case which have resulted in cases being withdrawn and driving licenses being retained.

I regularly attend and represent clients in interviews under caution conducted by local councils and/or the Department for Work and Pensions investigating suspected benefit fraud. I have made representations numerous times resulting in matters being discontinued or court proceedings being avoided.

Education

BPP Law School London – Legal Practice Course (LPC) 2005-2006

University of West of England Bristol – Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE) 2004-2005

Family Law Paralegal at The Thrasher Walker Partnership, July 2006 – Aug 2006

Client Comments

“Caroline Collins conducted herself in a very professional manner and should be considered an asset to your company.”

“Caroline Collins was emotionally supportive to my issues and not detached or aloof. This helped the situation immensely.”

“Always willing to discuss and talk at any time. Provided valuable support, was understanding and professional about the sensitive nature of the case.”

Notable Cases

Benefit Fraud

R v M: Acted for a client accused of benefit fraud totalling in excess of £23,000. This client was prosecuted under Section 111A of the Social Security Act 1992 after pleading guilty and hearing mitigation on her behalf the Court sentenced her by way of a conditional discharge. This was an exceptional sentence given the charge and level of overpayment.

R v S: Acted for a client summoned to court for benefit fraud in excess of £21,000 under Section 111A of the Social Security Act 1992. Successfully made representations to the prosecuting body that his excess capital should be disregarded under the Job Seekers Allowance Regulations 1996 Schedule 8 as he held this capital for business purposes. Representations resulted in no evidence being offered.

Driving Matters

R v B : Represented a client summoned to court for failing to identify the driver of vehicle registered in their name under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Successfully argued at court that the DVLA had not followed procedures as required under the legislation resulting in the offence being discontinued and the client not receiving points which would have risked losing her licence

R v G: Represented a man charged with causing death by careless driving. After a trial before a jury and the instruction of various experts the defendant was acquitted of all charges

In addition I have had experience in representing and advising clients on various motoring offences including using a mobile phones whilst driving, drink driving offences, failing to stop, speeding offences running exceptional hardship arguments to avoid disqualification, no licence, no insurance, driving whilst disqualified, death by careless and dangerous driving.